New F1 Qualifying Format in Baku Could Cause ‘Mayhem’

There could be two qualifying sessions this weekend, or there may not be.

As the four-week break on the F1 calendar ends heading into the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali wants to spice up the format by deleting a practice session so that there are separate qualifying sessions for both the sprint and the main grand prix.

There are reports that the teams have already voted unanimously in favor of the new format, although there have been some logistical concerns raised – primarily by Pirelli, whose tire allocations for Baku were shipped some time ago.

"We're very close to finalizing the format," Aston Martin sporting director Andy Stevenson said this week.

"We've been working closely with the FIA and going through it carefully with our engineers and strategists to make sure it's workable. We all support the new format, but we need to make sure that the regulations are going to work as intended."

Stevenson said the teams support the move because drivers will be able to "push harder and take more risks" in the sprint, because the results will no longer determine the grid order for Sunday's all-important grand prix.

"It's going to be an extremely exciting weekend," Stevenson said.